Page 15 - Liberia Exhibit Magazine Issue1
P. 15
Feature
AN
Exclusive
WITH LINTA
Liberia Exhibit sat down with board members of Liberia National
Tourism Authority (LINTA) to address a wide range of issues that
the tourism industry is confronted with in its quest to become a
pillar for growth and prosperity in the Liberian economy.
The primary objective of LINTA is to provide a plat- government of Liberia that will propel this unique
form for all tourism operators in Liberia, with the focal industry into an upwards trajectory and create an
aim of representing the sector’s interest both at home enabling environment for the rise in investments.
and abroad in a unified and professional manner. It Inadequate investment incentives, infrastructures,
also assists in providing the government with a real- qualified personnel, access to financing are some of
istic and professional input to craft policies affecting the few areas the industry is lacking behind.
the sector.
Despite the country is lagging behind its neighbors in
Any country that stands to benefit from this sector the tourism sector, more needs to be done to make
must place road connectivity at the top of its agenda Liberia a tourist destination, as we do have to offer
to ensure easy access for tourist eager to explore the magnificent historical, cultural, and geographical set-
length and breadth of Liberia and getting a glimpse of tings. Liberia’s tradition, culture, eco-tourism, wildlife,
the unique landscape. Accessibility has been placed world-renowned surf waves, and national parks are
at the top of the Coalition for Democratic Change some untapped areas that need to be polished. This
(CDC) list of priorities. With this development on hand, will indeed provide immense revenue to the country
LINTA has envisaged that priority will be placed on as other countries are significantly benefiting from it.
the tourism sector because they have recognized
the assets that will be created through employment, LINTA and the government through the Ministry of In-
revenue and foreign exchange generation. formation Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) forged
a bond to develop the industry to meet international
LINTA has been working on various projects within standards. LINTA in its document proposed the set-
the private sector, as well as engaging the govern- ting up of a national tourism taskforce that will ensure
ment to boost tourism in the country. They have that its members abide by the laws that are on the
pleaded with the national legislature to pass the book with other oversight responsibilities. Key areas
Tourism Act of 2013. The Act will put the sector on of improvements were identified by both parties.
the right footing to grow from strength to strength be- They include the restoration of the Providence Island
cause there is a blueprint to work with. Other things which is currently completed, Kpatawee Waterfall,
they’ve pushed for is the reduction in the high cost Sapo National Park – home of the endemic pygmy
associated with visiting Liberia, which includes: taxes hippopotamus, the establishment of a “visa on arrival
on air tickets, visitation fees, visa fees and more. system”, the construction of a tourism information
booth within the terminal of the Roberts and James
The sector is faced with enormous challenges like Spriggs International Airports.
any industry but comprehensive policies from the
WWW.JOS-TRAVEL.COM 15
AN
Exclusive
WITH LINTA
Liberia Exhibit sat down with board members of Liberia National
Tourism Authority (LINTA) to address a wide range of issues that
the tourism industry is confronted with in its quest to become a
pillar for growth and prosperity in the Liberian economy.
The primary objective of LINTA is to provide a plat- government of Liberia that will propel this unique
form for all tourism operators in Liberia, with the focal industry into an upwards trajectory and create an
aim of representing the sector’s interest both at home enabling environment for the rise in investments.
and abroad in a unified and professional manner. It Inadequate investment incentives, infrastructures,
also assists in providing the government with a real- qualified personnel, access to financing are some of
istic and professional input to craft policies affecting the few areas the industry is lacking behind.
the sector.
Despite the country is lagging behind its neighbors in
Any country that stands to benefit from this sector the tourism sector, more needs to be done to make
must place road connectivity at the top of its agenda Liberia a tourist destination, as we do have to offer
to ensure easy access for tourist eager to explore the magnificent historical, cultural, and geographical set-
length and breadth of Liberia and getting a glimpse of tings. Liberia’s tradition, culture, eco-tourism, wildlife,
the unique landscape. Accessibility has been placed world-renowned surf waves, and national parks are
at the top of the Coalition for Democratic Change some untapped areas that need to be polished. This
(CDC) list of priorities. With this development on hand, will indeed provide immense revenue to the country
LINTA has envisaged that priority will be placed on as other countries are significantly benefiting from it.
the tourism sector because they have recognized
the assets that will be created through employment, LINTA and the government through the Ministry of In-
revenue and foreign exchange generation. formation Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) forged
a bond to develop the industry to meet international
LINTA has been working on various projects within standards. LINTA in its document proposed the set-
the private sector, as well as engaging the govern- ting up of a national tourism taskforce that will ensure
ment to boost tourism in the country. They have that its members abide by the laws that are on the
pleaded with the national legislature to pass the book with other oversight responsibilities. Key areas
Tourism Act of 2013. The Act will put the sector on of improvements were identified by both parties.
the right footing to grow from strength to strength be- They include the restoration of the Providence Island
cause there is a blueprint to work with. Other things which is currently completed, Kpatawee Waterfall,
they’ve pushed for is the reduction in the high cost Sapo National Park – home of the endemic pygmy
associated with visiting Liberia, which includes: taxes hippopotamus, the establishment of a “visa on arrival
on air tickets, visitation fees, visa fees and more. system”, the construction of a tourism information
booth within the terminal of the Roberts and James
The sector is faced with enormous challenges like Spriggs International Airports.
any industry but comprehensive policies from the
WWW.JOS-TRAVEL.COM 15
